Social exchange theory is a sociological and psychological theory that explains how people behave in relationships using cost-benefit analysis, expecting that what they give will lead to a fair return and treating social relationships like economic exchanges in which each person controls things the other values and decides whether to continue based on how beneficial and fair the exchange feels over time. It can be applied to a wide range of relationships, including romantic partnerships, friendships, family dynamics and professional relationships, and individuals are thought to evaluate the rewards and costs of a relationship when deciding whether to maintain, deepen or end it; people typically end something if the costs outweigh the rewards, especially if their own efforts are not returned. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
Facts
Core ClaimThe theory holds that people evaluate relationships as an exchange of rewards and costs, remaining in a relationship as long as the rewards received are judged proportional to the effort and resources contributed. 1 Connections
Held Differently
Caryl Rusbult's investment model was developed as a direct extension of interdependence and social exchange theory, adding investment size to satisfaction and alternatives as a third determinant of commitment.
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In Branch
Source Wikipedia: Social Exchange Theory
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1. Wikipedia: Social Exchange Theory
Wikimedia FoundationLead section
Social exchange theory is a sociological and psychological theory that explains how people behave in relationships by using cost-benefit analysis to determine risks and benefits, expecting that what they give will lead to a fair return, and treating social relationships like economic exchanges (for romantic relationships specifically, see sexual economics) in which each person controls things the other values and decides whether to continue the relationship based on how beneficial and fair the exchange feels over time.
Homans section, foundational propositions
he explained how people interact in small groups, showing that the rewards that they get are usually based on how much effort and resources that they contribute
Homans section, 1958 founding work
The foundation of the social exchange theory was first introduced by George C. Homans in 1958 based on his work "Social Behavior as Exchange"
In Branch: Social Psychology, Lead
The most comprehensive social exchange theories are those of the American social psychologists John W.
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